"And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But…let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest…They are the Magi." – O. Henry – The Gift of The Magi It is one of the most charming short stories in American literature. Written in 1905 by the masterful O. Henry it also carries his trademark surprise ending.
In case you plan to read it I will not ruin the poignancy of his coda. If you already know it, share the story with everyone you love. It will embed itself in your heart & theirs ever after.
"The Magi," O. Henry points out, "invented the art of giving Christmas presents." He gave us his magical story, a fable so powerful it has been made into dozens of films & adapted in numerous other art forms. Millions have now seen the story unfold & have reveled in its gorgeous message.
The three Magi we know, the Magi of the Bible, were part of a Persian discipline that goes back 600 years before Christ. They inadvertently handed us another gift. The word "magic" comes from Magi.
The couple in the story are people of wisdom & love. You have their gift. You can bring your own magic to any situation. The Magi followed a star that wove them into the greatest narrative in history: the birth of the perfect expression of love & the Radical Loving Care that flows from that gift.
What magic might you bring to others during this year's celebration of the birth of Jesus?
The Magi made a magic discovery. This Christmas I wish for you the same gift.
-Reverend Erie Chapman
"The Magi" Henry Siddons Mowbray – 1915 (public domain) + book cover
Journal of Sacred Work 
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